Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda has called for enhanced international collaboration and investment in digital infrastructure to strengthen the Judiciary’s capacity to effectively handle cases of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The Chief Justice was speaking during an interactive meeting with senior representatives of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), where discussions focused on improving judicial efficiency through training and technological support.
Honourable Chief Justice Kamanda emphasized that the Judiciary’s effectiveness in prosecuting trafficking-related offences is heavily dependent on modern digital systems and strong inter-agency collaboration. He noted that without adequate infrastructure, efforts to expedite trials and deliver justice would remain significantly constrained.
“The Judiciary cannot succeed in handling trafficking cases without the requisite digital infrastructure and coordinated collaboration with key institutions,” he said, highlighting the roles of the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Law Officers’ Department.
The Honourable Chief Justice stressed that the justice process begins with proper investigation, cautioning that weak investigative work often undermines prosecutions.
“If the groundwork is not properly done, cases are likely to fail, as the Judiciary remains independent and committed to maintaining a fair balance between the Prosecution and the Defence,” he added.
The Chief Justice further underscored the importance of continuous capacity building for judges. He pointed to the role of the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI), which he said is equipped with experienced judges and structured training modules. He noted that while some judges have benefited from international training opportunities, there remains a strong willingness within the Judiciary to engage in further specialized training to enhance the administration of justice in trafficking and smuggling cases.
Chief Justice Kamanda also encouraged the ICMPD delegation to engage with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, describing the office as highly receptive and grounded in a strong human right related issue.
The Executive Director Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force, Dehunge Shiaka outlined the work of the Secretariat. He expressed concern that Sierra Leone’s efforts to combat human trafficking remain inadequate, citing unfavourable international assessments, including reports from the United States.
Director Shiaka revealed plans to recruit and train paralegals to monitor court proceedings and track trafficking-related cases. He said the initiative would help identify systemic challenges and support both the Task Force and the Judiciary in addressing gaps in case management and prosecution.
Also speaking at the meeting on behalf of the International Center for Migration Policy Development, Dr. Reuben Lewis, provided an overview of ICMPD’s work across Africa. He emphasized that meaningful progress in tackling trafficking cannot be achieved without the active involvement of the Judiciary.
“We have funding available to support institutions like the Judiciary,” Dr. Lewis said, adding that formal proposals from the Judiciary would enable ICMPD to provide targeted assistance.
In her overview, the Project Specialist for ICMPD, resident in Abuja, Nigeria, Madam Ifeoluwa Sinkay, stated that the project is aligned with the ECOWAS Action Plan. She noted that the project covers various thematic areas, including border management, trafficking in persons, protection of the rights of migrants, diaspora engagement, labour migration, and migration development.
According to the Project Specialist, the project is largely funded by the European Union and the Government of Denmark, with a focus on developing strategic and operational documents for the state institutions, as well as supporting study visits, assessments, surveys, research, and cross-border cooperation intervention.
The meeting underscored the growing need for coordinated national and international efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s response to migrant smuggling and human trafficking, while reinforcing the central role of the Judiciary in upholding justice and the rule of law.
Credit – Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications and Public Affairs Unit
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 20th April 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
